READINGS:
1 R : Is 49 : 8 - 15.
Ps 144 : 8 - 9, 13cd - 14, 17 - 18.
Gos : Jn 5 : 17 - 30.
JESUS IN TODAY'S GOSPEL SPEAKS OF ETERNAL LIFE, ABOUT JUDGEMENT AND ALSO REFERS ABOUT TRINITY.
FROM THESE WE CAN GET THE LESSON THAT A BAPTIZED PERSON HAS TO BE HOPEFUL ABOUT ETERNAL REALITIES.
BAPTISM INVITES A BELIEVER TO LOOK BEYOND AND LIVE LIKE A CITIZEN OF HEAVEN.
IN THE FIRST READING, GOD TELLS US THROUGH THE PROPHET ISIAH THAT, HE IS CARING US LIKE THE SHEPHERD. HE TAKES US TO GREEN PASTURES AND FLOWING STREAMS.
AT THE END OF TODAY'S PASSAGE WE READ ONE OF THE OFT REPEATED PHRASE OF THE OLD TESTAMENT,
...... EVEN IF THE MOTHER FORGET HER OWN CHILD, I WILL NOT FORGET YOU.
BAPTISM, THEREFORE IS A JOURNEY OF FAITH THROUGH WHICH WE LEARN TO APPRECIATE MORE AND MORE THE ABSOLUTE AND SELF SACRIFICING LOVE OF GOD REVEALED THROUGH JESUS BY THE STRENGTH OF THE SPIRIT.
BAPTISM CAN BE BETTER APPRECIATED AS A PROCESS RATHER THAN A FINISHED ' PRODUCT '.
EVERY LENT IS A SPECIAL TIME OF GRACE FOR THE BAPTIZED TO LOOK BACK AND EVALUATE THE PROGRESS IN FAITH.
IF ONE HAS LOST THE TRUE PATH TO FIND IT; AND IF ONE BE IN THE RIGHT PATH MAKE FURTHER STRIDES.
